From apocalyptic demons to raunchy cops and Google interns, a new wave of comedies is rewriting the rules of Hollywood's high season.

This summer, Superman will save the world from the machinations of evil Kryptonian overlord General Zod. But first, Seth Rogen—playing himself—will smoke weed, renounce gluten and run from a smoldering CGI demon resembling a naked man.

"We could potentially make our whole [$30 million] budget back before 'Superman' even opens," says Mr. Rogen, whose comedy, called "This Is the End" (June 12), opens two days before...